China Palace - Austin, Texas

I know a secret! Mrs. Food and I had the pleasure of eating dinner with Cupcake Kitten and her husband, the Compiler, a few nights back. We had been talking about trying China Palace, 6605 Airport Blvd, just north of Highland Mall. A little bird had whispered that the food was worth checking out and Mr. Food needed to spread the word. The little bird also told me a secret!

We arrived at the restaurant around 8pm. Parking was easy, not an issue. The restaurant had a few folks dinning so we were able to sit where we wanted and had total attention of the wait staff. Now here’s the secret….The server gave us the menu, but I knew better and asked for the special Chinese menu. Word had reached my ear that most of the items offered on the special menu (which you have to ask for) wouldn’t be served anywhere else in the city. No description, just a list of plates to choose from, our whole party was amazed at the selection offered. As Mr. Food I have no fear of food. Looking down the list of appetizers I had to try the Jellyfish head. A grunt of shock came from Mrs. Food and our companions. Cupcake ordered the fried tofu and Mrs. Food ordered the steamed pork dumplings. The Jellyfish tasted like cucumber salad, I really liked this. While the fried tofu, so often over cooked in most places, was perfect…it just melted in my mouth. The dumplings were as good as any in town…maybe better.

For our main courses, we all decided on the one plate each and share routine. The compiler, not feeling so brave, ordered the Orange Beef. Cupcake chose some type of greens (snow pea leaves?) and the Mu Shu Chicken. I on the other hand had to try something new and ordered the Tea Smoked Duck with tofu skins. The amount of food brought to our table was astounding. The Orange Beef was great - large pieces of beef, smoky red chilies combined with orange peel. The Mu Shu was also great. Our server assembled the food by first spreading plum sauce on some kind of pancake; then added the Mu Shu and served us one at a time. We had enough for two helpings each. The duck came in a bowl with what I first thought was roasted peppers but after tasting realized were the tofu skins. Cupcake’s greens had a healthy mix of garlic added to them and tasted fantastic. I wish I knew more about Chinese food, I can’t really tell you what was in the food but needless to say we were all very pleased with our orders and even more amazed when we got the bill - three appetizers, four entrees and ice teas came to an incredible $51. Holy Cow, we had so much food, there was no way that we could eat it all.

Mr. Food says a resounding Two Spoons up. What a deal. The food was great. An amazing selection to choose from and the portions sizes …well, check it out for your self. The bathrooms, small but clean, didn’t take anything away from the restaurant. If you are feeling the need for Chinese, give China Palace a go, I don’t think you will be disappointed. Remember, ask for the Chinese menu…but keep it our little secret.

China Palace
6605 Airport Blvd
451-7104
Mon – Fri: 11 – 2:30 / 4:30 – 10pm
Sat: 11 – 3 / 4:30 – 10pm
Sun: 11 – 3 / 4:30 – 9:30

They do deliver, call first to find out if you are in there area - $15 minimum